Ngarliya Contracting Pty Ltd (Ngarliya) has been awarded a five-year contract with Mineral Resources (MinRes)for the provision of fire suppression maintenance and pest control services across MinRes sites.

Ngarliya is the first majority Indigenous-owned business that will supply fire suppression services for MinRes starting at Kens Bore in the Pilbara.

Ngarliya is a Joint Venture between Paull & Warner Resources and Jajiwarda Contracting, owned by Ken's Bore Traditional Owner Kelly Slattery and partner Arran Henry.

After recognising these services as an opportunity for MinRes to adopt as a consolidated service across all sites, the potential for a Traditional Owner business to undertake this opportunity was identified.

Ngarliya Director Kelly Slattery said as a Traditional Owner of the land where MinRes operates, the contract is transformational for the communities they belong to.

"The partnership with MinRes is a huge opportunity, bringing long term prospects to provide the platform for Ngarliya to develop and grow," Kelly said.

"Looking further beyond that, the transferability of the services we provide to other applications – commercial or residential - extend beyond life-of-mine."

"Offering diversification of roles, providing a service that is a requirement for businesses but also growth to provide opportunities in other areas, creates business sustainability."

"For me as a Traditional Owner, to be able to provide opportunities for members of the community to work on country is a huge advantage, and something to be very proud of."

Ngarliya Director Arran Henry added that Ngarliya has the capability to add a complete suite of services to deliver training and employment opportunities to local and indigenous people and to deliver services and products to clients to meet their site safety, emergency and rescue needs.

"This is just the beginning for Ngarliya, as we grow, learn and expand, we hope to become a preferred supplier in these services over the next five years and beyond, and continue to provide opportunities for local Indigenous people in the area," Arran said.

MinRes Chief Executive Mining Services Mike Grey said MinRes is thrilled to partner with Ngarliya Contracting to provide an essential service to our operation.

"This partnership marks another significant milestone in our commitment to fostering strong relationships with Indigenous businesses," he said.

"Supporting Indigenous businesses is important to MinRes, and the success of our projects such as Onslow Iron is only possible because we work with reliable and capable businesses such as Ngarliya Contracting.

"MinRes will continue to offer ongoing employment and business opportunities to the local communities where we operate for years to come."

Ngarliya will commence the implementation of their services at Ken's Bore with other MinRes sites to follow.

This story was produced with the support of MinRes.